Made with only a handful of ingredients, these birthday cake protein balls come together quickly for an energy-boosting snack. Sweetened with honey to give them a light and indulgent taste, these no-bake balls are a meal prep staple for busy weeks.
Whip up a batch and pop them in your mouth out the door. The best part about these birthday cake protein balls is that they come together easily, and they’re packed with fuel for busy days.
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, protein balls are something I always keep in the fridge (these coffee protein balls are a favorite too) for days I’m just feeling “snacky”, but I don’t want to mess up my goals. This is the whole premise behind my Strong and Sweet Protein Guide.
If you’re the mom who is grabbing items out of the cupboard as you’re rushing around or mowing down scraps off of your kids’ plates but crashing in energy later in the afternoon, these are the perfect solutions. They give you that feeling of mini indulgence while also giving your body some actual nutrients to tackle the rest of your day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Easy to make: You only need a handful of gluten-free pantry staples for the protein balls to come together and they whip up in about ten minutes.
Yummy: All the birthday cake flavor is complete with sprinkles wrapped in a light but dense, no-bake texture.
Healthy: The protein balls are naturally dairy-free and gluten-free and come in with a whopping 8 grams of protein per ball (not bad for something bite-sized!). Plus, they’re one of the only protein ball recipes that don’t require a nut butter!
Ingredients and Substitutions
You don’t need much for the gluten-free protein balls and there’s actually no peanut butter (or other nut butter) involved.
However, know that the protein powder you choose will affect the taste and texture of the balls as all vegan protein powders absorb differently. I’ve used both Botanica Protein Powder and Thrive Protein to make these.
Your honey doesn’t have to be creamed, that’s just what I have on hand.
I use carton egg whites as they’re pasteurized. I haven’t tried making them with actual separated egg whites.
Expert Tips To Make It
Since each protein powder absorbs differently, the amount of water you need varies. Add in just a bit at a time until you get the perfect texture (peek at the video). It will be ever so slightly dry, but the mixture will hold together if pressed down firmly with a fork.
Again, the protein powder you choose will make a difference in the taste and texture of the balls. Learn more about choosing a protein powder.
Regardless of if you’re rolling them by hand or using a trigger ice cream scoop, you need to press them together firmly. They’re delicate and will crumble slightly until chilled but the more air pockets you leave the more, they’ll fall apart.
How To Make Protein Balls
Step 1: Mix together the wet ingredients.
Step 2: One by one add in the honey, egg whites, and vanilla. Mix well. Add the sprinkles.
Step 3: Slowly add in water as needed and mix until sticky. Portion the balls onto a lined cutting board and chill until firmed up.
How To Store Them
These birthday cake protein balls are best stored in the fridge in an airtight container and will remain delicious for 5-7 days.
Of course, you can store them in the freezer in a freezer-safe container for 1-2 months as well. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before you enjoy them.
Flavor Variations
As always, the best part about no-bake protein balls is that there are so many ways to vary them! Below are a few flavor twists I use when I want to switch it up.
Chocolate: You can either use a chocolate vegan protein powder or add in a bit of raw cacao powder (and reap the benefits!). Likewise, sprinkles can always be replaced by mini chocolate chips. Avoid regular-size ones though as it’ll make the balls crumble.
True birthday cake: If you can find one you love, using a birthday cake-flavored protein powder can add a lot of flavors.
Extracts: Add in a splash of almond extract for a nuttier base.
FAQs
Yes. These protein balls use egg whites from a carton which have normally been pasteurized making them completely safe to eat. Though regular egg whites can also be enjoyed raw also.
I haven’t tried baking them, but I wouldn’t recommend it. I have a feeling that the balls would dry out and crumble if they’re baked.
Other Bite-Sized Protein Snacks You’ll Love
- Mini peanut butter protein brownies
- Protein brownie balls
- No bake protein cookies
- High protein snacks that taste like dessert
Birthday Cake Protein Balls (Dairy and Gluten Free)
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup Vegan vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons Coconut flour
- 2 tablespoons Creamed honey
- 3 tablespoons Egg whites
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 1.5 tablespoons Sprinkles
- 3-5 tablespoons Water
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine the protein powder and coconut flour.
- One by one add in the honey, egg whites, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Add in two tablespoons of water and mix. Stir in the sprinkles.
- Start adding any more water if needed. The goal is a mixture that’s still crumbly but holds together when pressed firmly.
- You can either portion the balls with a trigger ice cream scoop, pressing very firmly into the scoop or roll them by hand. If rolling them by hand, grease your hands really well with coconut oil and re-grease every two balls to prevent sticking.
- If you find the balls crumbling too much, add half a tablespoon more water to the mixture.
- Store the protein balls in the fridge in an airtight container.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Shelby S says
I love the seitch up from regular peanut-butter based protein balls! Great flavor and still protein packed.